Nournews: An understanding between Iran and the United States, based on an honest and globally oriented approach to confronting American unreliability and Israeli obstructionism, could—by relying on Iran’s strength and conditions—become an effective factor in establishing peace in West Asia and improving the global economic situation. Nevertheless, the conduct of certain countries, particularly France, reflects self-serving calculations aimed at securing narrow national interests through obstructionism and worn-out political demands that have proven ineffective. Confronting such behavior has become an undeniable necessity for the international community.
In this context, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, in what many view as a hypocritical statement, intervened in Iran’s domestic affairs while claiming to support the Iranian people under the banner of human rights. He further declared that Paris would oppose the lifting of United Nations Security Council sanctions on Iran unless the country's expectations regarding Iran’s nuclear negotiations were met and issues related to Tehran’s ballistic missiles and regional proxy forces were incorporated into the talks—despite France having no role in the negotiations themselves.
These claims come at a time when global developments, including the nuclear negotiations and the Islamabad agreement, point to the diminishing relevance of France—and Europe more broadly—in major international affairs, a position that cannot be restored through political grandstanding and the repetition of outdated accusations.
The Revolting Hypocrisy of a Historical Offender
France presents itself as a defender of the Iranian people despite a decades-long record marked by hostility and actions detrimental to Iran. The Iranian nation has not forgotten France’s hosting of terrorist groups such as the MEK, whose members have been responsible for the deaths of thousands of Iranians. Nor have Iranians forgotten the contaminated blood scandal or France’s military assistance to Saddam Hussein’s regime.
Paris adopts the language of human rights while simultaneously serving as one of the principal advocates of sanctions against Iran. Members of President Emmanuel Macron’s government have even described these sanctions as a demonstration of power. This stands in contrast to the assessment of UN Special Rapporteur Alena Douhan, who has characterized sanctions imposed on Iran as amounting to crimes against humanity and called for their removal as well as accountability for those responsible.
In the diplomatic arena, France, alongside Germany and the United Kingdom, failed to fulfill its commitments under the JCPOA and offered no meaningful response to the United States’ withdrawal from the agreement.
France’s anti-humanitarian and anti-agreement posture became even more evident during the twelve-day conflict and the Ramadan war. Paris refrained from condemning these acts of aggression, including the tragedy in Minab and the deaths of officials and civilians in various cities, while remaining silent regarding the bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Nor does France’s record end there. Its provision of military equipment to Israel, used in conflicts affecting civilians from Gaza and Lebanon to Iran, has added another chapter to this controversial history. Consequently, France’s human-rights rhetoric and claims of supporting peace and diplomacy appear deeply unconvincing, and no amount of political posturing can conceal this reality.
Macron: Global Ambitions, Peripheral Influence
The conduct of Emmanuel Macron—whom many French citizens themselves do not regard as a successful president and whose policies have, in their view, damaged France’s international standing—reflects the behavior of a relatively minor political actor aspiring to play a global role.
While Macron frequently speaks of peace, mediation, and leadership in Europe and beyond, his policies have often contributed to the escalation rather than the resolution of crises. Such an approach appears designed primarily to divert attention from domestic challenges while projecting an image of global relevance.
For example, France periodically promotes conferences and initiatives concerning Lebanon, yet these efforts have largely produced little beyond unfulfilled promises.
Meanwhile, European Council President Antonio Costa has announced plans to establish a dedicated diplomatic channel for direct consultations with Moscow. France, however, continues to insist on maintaining sanctions against Russia while simultaneously arguing that the European Union cannot serve as a mediator in peace negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv, instead advocating continued support for Ukraine to sustain the conflict.
At a time when much of the world has welcomed the Iran–U.S. understanding, France appears determined to disrupt the emerging balance in favor of Israeli interests and, in effect, seek political concessions from both Tehran and Washington. Yet the economic consequences of the Ramadan war, coupled with France’s mounting domestic and international difficulties, have exposed the country’s vulnerabilities and intensified pressure on Macron at home.
Containing France: A Prerequisite for Saving Europe
European countries, both individually and through institutions such as the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the European Council, have generally welcomed the Iran–U.S. understanding as a step toward enhanced security and improved global economic conditions.
However, if the European Union hopes to benefit from the economic, political, and security advantages of this understanding—and even preserve a minimum level of global influence—it may first need to prioritize restraining member states such as France, whose ambitions and miscalculations risk undermining the broader interests of Europe.
Paris has demonstrated that it is not a force for European unity and progress but rather a significant obstacle to both. Continued irresponsible behavior could further deepen Europe’s isolation and intensify its crises.
In any case, Europe should recognize that passage through the Strait of Hormuz remains closely linked to Iran’s strategic position, and that the Islamabad understanding does not imply any abandonment of this source of leverage. Consequently, France’s conduct could contribute to complications affecting European maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—a responsibility that would rest with a France that continues to entertain global ambitions while disregarding its actual capabilities and standing.
Nournews